There are few ways to drastically change your appearance with minimal effort, one of the ways being taking care of your nails. Although I am not a nail expert, I have customized my own nails in a number of ways and have compiled a list of different ways to style your nails.
Gel X: 8/10
There are two kinds of Gel X nails: the extensions and the builder gel. The main difference between the two is in the names; the extensions involve attaching a plastic extension to your natural nails and applying gel onto the plastic nail, whereas the builder gel is applied directly onto your natural nail. After application, both nails must be cured under a UV lamp.
These kinds of nails are difficult to DIY at home and are better if done in a salon or by someone else. Gel X nails are generally long lasting and are easy to customize, making them my personal favorite and a popular option for many. However, getting Gel X done at a salon or even purchasing a Gel X kit online can be expensive, and the process of curing the gel under the UV lamp can be physically painful.
Press-ons: 9/10
Press-ons are like Gel X extensions in the sense that they’re plastic nails, except that they are purchased with a design already on them. Press-ons can be attached onto your natural nails with either nail glue or adhesive nail tape, meaning that you will be exposed to less chemicals than you would with Gel X or traditional nail polish. Press-ons are also inexpensive, with some costing as little as $5. Affordable, reusable, and quick to apply, press-ons are one of the most accessible options for nail cosmetics. The only downside with press-ons is their lack of durability, as the glue and tape are not as strong as Gel X.
Traditional nail polish: 6/10
Last but not least, the tried and true traditional nail polish remains one of the most popular options for those looking to get their nails done. A single bottle of nail polish can cost as low as a dollar and is immensely accessible to people of all ages. One down side is that d painting your nails and waiting for them to dry can take a long time, and preventing any lint from getting stuck in the film is a big hassle. If you’re looking for a cheap option and you have a little more time on your hands, nail polish may be the best option for you.
